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Best Cranberry Orange Relish Recipe Easy Kid-Approved

cranberry orange relish - featured image

This kid-approved cranberry orange relish with fresh ginger is a quick and easy recipe that comes together in under 20 minutes. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving and beyond, with a bright, zesty flavor that even picky eaters love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) fresh cranberries
  • 1 large orange (zest and juice)
  • 1-inch piece (about 15 grams) fresh ginger, grated
  • ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) water
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients first: Rinse the cranberries under cold water and pick out any soft or shriveled ones. Zest the entire orange using a microplane or grater, avoiding the bitter white pith. Juice the orange into a small bowl. Peel the ginger with a spoon and grate it finely. Measure out the sugar and water.
  2. Combine everything in the saucepan: Add the cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, grated ginger, sugar, water, and salt to a medium saucepan. Stir to combine.
  3. Bring to a gentle boil: Turn the heat to medium-high and let the mixture come to a boil. You’ll hear the cranberries start to pop. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to medium-low.
  4. Simmer until thickened: Let the relish simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes. The cranberries will break down and the mixture will thicken to a loose jam consistency. The color will deepen to a ruby red.
  5. Test for doneness: Dip a spoon into the relish and let it cool for a few seconds. Run your finger through the coating on the spoon—if it leaves a clean line and the relish doesn’t immediately run back together, it’s done. If still too liquidy, simmer another 2-3 minutes and test again.
  6. Cool and adjust sweetness: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the relish cool for about 5 minutes. Taste and add a tablespoon more sugar if too tart.
  7. Transfer to storage container: Pour the relish into a glass jar or airtight container. Let it cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating. Do not cover while still warm.

Notes

The relish will continue to thicken as it cools, so don’t overcook it on the stove. For best flavor, make it a day ahead and let it rest overnight in the fridge. If using frozen cranberries, add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time. For a milder version, reduce ginger to ½ teaspoon and add an extra tablespoon of sugar.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry orange relish, cranberry sauce, Thanksgiving side dish, easy cranberry relish, kid-friendly cranberry recipe, fresh ginger relish